BeiGene: increasing global access to cancer treatments

The Challenge

Cancer incidence and mortality are increasing globally, with significant disparities in access to high-quality care. In the U.S., over 600,000 cancer-related deaths are projected annually, while in China, about 55 people die from cancer every 10 minutes. Founded over a decade ago, BeiGene aims to address these challenges by developing and distributing innovative cancer treatments worldwide. With 16 drugs available in China and more globally, including Brukinsa, the first anti-cancer drug from China approved by the FDA, BeiGene, is committed to improving access and affordability of cancer care.

Many cancer patients worldwide lack access to necessary therapies, with roughly a quarter of patients not receiving the treatments they need. BeiGene faced the challenge of expanding access to its innovative treatments while ensuring diverse participation in clinical trials. Additionally, the company needed to enhance its internal capabilities for conducting clinical trials to reduce reliance on external CROs, cut costs, and expedite patient enrolment in trials.

The Approach

Under the leadership of BeiGene’s global head of clinical operations, the company prioritised patient diversity in clinical trials, focusing on data and analytics to create a cross-functional initiative. The company worked closely with health authorities, ethics committees and clinical sites to expand its global footprint. By integrating clinical trial capabilities in-house, BeiGene improved the patient experience and reduced time and costs associated with trials by one-third. The holistic infrastructure includes regulatory and medical affairs, human resources, legal, finance, and other fields, ensuring a comprehensive approach to clinical trials.

The Impact

BeiGene’s approach significantly increased global access to cancer treatments, with Brukinsa now available in over 50 countries. The company’s focus on diversity in clinical trials has ensured that participants represent various demographics and economic levels, leading to more inclusive and representative research. By bringing clinical trial capabilities in-house, BeiGene has enhanced efficiency, allowing quicker patient enrolment and reducing costs.

These efforts positioned BeiGene as a leader in delivering high-quality cancer care and addressing global health disparities, with a mission-driven strategy that prioritises patient access over profit.